
Israel and the West Bank
The country of Israel and the disputed Palestinian territory known as the West Bank together make up the much of the "Holy Land," a Middle East region that encompasses an astounding array of biblical sites, sacred sites, and pilgrimage destinations.
With earth that has been walked by Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, the apostles, Baha'i saints, and the Prophet Muhammad (in a miraculous Night Journey), just to name a few, the Holy Land has been a sought-after destination for pilgrims from ancient times until today.
Despite the well-known conflict and tension in this part of the world, the holy and historical sites of Israel and the West Bank continue to attract hoards of pilgrims and interested visitors. It remains a surprisingly safe place to visit and, for many, a very meaningful one. In Jerusalem, Jews still pray at the Western Wall, Christians still visit the place where Jesus' body was laid in the tomb, and Muslims still worship at the ancient Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Whether you're a Jew, Christian, Muslim, Baha'i, or none of the above; an archaeology buff, a historian, a person intrigued by the sacred, or just a traveler (armchair or otherwise) interested in important and fascinating places, the Holy Land is well worth a visit.
Israel and the West Bank Guide
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Featured Destinations in Israel and the West Bank (List All Destinations)Jerusalem This is all that remains of the Temple that was once the center of Jewish worship. The Western Wall Plaza is a vast, open-air synagogue that is the preferred place to pray for Jews worldwide. Jerusalem This historic church shelters the holiest site in all Christendom: the tomb where Christ was buried and rose from the dead. It is shared by several denominations. Jerusalem This large mosque on the Temple Mount was originally built in 710 AD. It includes 11th-century mosaics, a 12th-century mihrab, and Crusader arches. |
Israel and the West Bank City GuidesLocated just five miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is the childhood home of the biblical King David. It is also the birthplace of Jesus Christ and has been a major site of Christian pilgrimage since the construction of the Church of the Nativity in the 4th century AD. The holiest city in the world for Jews and Christians and third holiest city for Muslims, Jerusalem is a city of unparalleled religious heritage and spirituality. |









